T61 and Mini Dock

I have been using my Mini Dock with my T61 for two years and although the computer has always been slow to boot up it has become very slow recently and after boot up the computer does not recognize an external hard drive that I have attached to the mini dock. If I disconnect the computer from the mini dock it loads much more quickly and if I attach the external drive to the computer directly it is recognized.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Error Message:
Input signal out of range. Translation:
You will see this on an otherwise blank screen. Assuming that the data cable is plugged in correctly, the video card is feeding the monitor a signal stream in excess of what the monitor can accommodate. The two main causes for this are that the user has set either the resolution or the vertical frequency rate too high. For example, you might set a new graphics card to display at 1,280 x 1,024, but if the monitor is only capable of 1,024 x 768 resolution, you’ll get a Sync Out of Range error. This is especially common in 14-inch monitors.
Solution:
Because you obviously can’t make settings changes from within regular Windows, you’ll need to reboot into Windows Safe Mode. When you restart the system, there is a point during boot up when the system switches from reporting diagnostics and detected components to loading Windows. This point is usually accompanied by a beep and the screen going black. Just before this point, you want to start repeatedly pressing the F8 key. This should bring up a menu of Windows boot options. The one you want to pick is Safe Mode.
From Safe Mode right-click the Desktop and select Properties. Go to the Settings tab and use the slider to drop your resolution a notch or two. Reboot and let Windows try to go into Normal mode. If this still doesn’t work, go back into Safe Mode and get to the Settings tab of Display Properties. Click the Advanced button, go to the Monitor tab, and check your refresh rate. The lowest advisable rate is usually 60Hz, although this works better for LCDs (liquid-crystal displays) than CRTs (cathode ray tubes). Apply the change and reboot.

Similar Messages

No DVI output with T420 on integrated graphics card and Mini Dock Series 3

Because of some application problems I have to set my new T420 to only use the integrated graphics card (disabling the NVidia Optimus feature). In this configuration I seem to be unable to use the DVI port on the Mini Dock Series 3, there is simply no signal and Windows reports that no monitor could be found. The VGA output works but the picture quality is quite bad.
Is this a known design limitation or do I deal with a driver issue?
Thanks
Dan

Yes, that works but there is the drawback of battery life. In the course of the day I often undock the laptop to go to meetings and using the discreet graphics card uses a lot more power and significantly reduces the time i can work without power. I would have to restart the laptop and change the setting in the BIOS after I undock, which is just not practical. For what I do I don't need the graphics power of the discreet card.

Where are the Serial Numbers for T410 and Mini Dock Series 3?

I recently called the support line, and between the young ladies on the phone and me, we couldn't find them anywhere! There are lots of other numbers, but we couldn't find anything with an SN, S/N etc. And why (Lenovo engineers, I'm looking at you!) do the numbers have to be in such tiny font and of a color that blends in so well with the color of the computer or device? There is an entire laptop bottom to use, I'm sure there's enough room to put numbers that can be more easily read wtihout having to resort to magnifying glasses.
At any rate, someone, please tell me where they hid the serial numbers on these two pieces of equipment?
Also, I apologize for sticking this post in an existing, not-exactly-the-same-topic thread, but I couldn't find any sort of "create new thread" button anywhere. I also did a search, and while there were posts on how to find the serial numbers on other models, I couldn't find one for the T410.
Thanks so much ,in advance.

Using the mini dock series 3 you don't have to undock to remove the computer. So it's not like when using the advanced mini dock where you had to undock before the computer can be removed. That is why you don't have the undock option under the start menu or undock options in easy eject when connected to the mini dock since you don't have to undock.
If you don't use Access Connections the wireless radio will not be turned off when connected to the network using a cable. If you use Access Connections you should check that a profile have actually been applied and also the settings to allow the radio to be turned off.
Since you get network access through the docking it sounds like it's working fine. Is the monitor connected to the docking working as well?
-gan

2 external monitors and internal Screen on T430S and Mini Dock Plus

Hi Community,
I just got my new T430S and the MiniDock Plus. On the website I've ordered the combination I had the impression that I could use two external screens and the internal screen at once.
Unfortunately I don't manage to find the right settings to achieve that the internal screen is switched on.
I wonder if its just a question of settings or is it simply not possible to extend the screen over three screens.
Any help or hint is greatly appreciated,
Andreas

Intel 3000 doesn't support 3 independent LCD in this manner. You would need something USB2DVI or USB2VGA adapter to get the third LCD.
Regards,
Jin Li
May this year, be the year of 'DO'!
I am a volunteer, and not a paid staff of Lenovo or Microsoft

Mini Dock for T61

Help, I have Lenovo T61 6773 and MinI Dock 2504.I can't get the USB ports on the Mini Dock to work. Trying to get the USB KeyBoard and USB Mouse to work when plugged into the Mini Dock. Also would like to get the USB Printer to work from the Mini Dock. I can't get the Ethernet plug in to work. How do you get them to work? This is the second Mini Dock I have tried.
Thanks
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Yes Sir
The power is plugged in and on. When the key is vertical, a red light (side the #1) on the Mini Dock comes on. When the key is Horizontal the red light goes out. Whick position is on and which is off? All the instructions showed was that it was locked in the Horizontal position. When I push the silver button just above it the laptop reboots. What is the silver bar button just under the #1 on the Mini Dock? I do not have a montor attached. The green light (arrow) side #2 is on. I thought that showed that the Laptop was plugged in and should charge the battery. I found out last night that the battery wont stay charged while plugged into the Mini Dock, but I might have had it turned off at the Mini Dock. Sorry I'm not up to date on fonicks and I don't understand the pictures as good as I would like to.
My Goal is to hook up the Mini Dock with a external Mouse, Key Board and Printer (all using USB ports) That will allow me and my big fat fingures to use the laptop more freely and then I could use one of the three USB ports on the laptop for a USB flash drive while docked. I reckond the first question is "Can that happen or will that work?" So far I have not been able to get it to.
Thanks for the concern and help
Wayne May

Problem with T61 and DVI External Monitor (via Advanced Mini-Dock)

Ever since I upgraded to Vista SP1 on my ThinkPad T61 (with an Intel integrated 965 series graphics card), I've been having problems when I try to use an external monitor via the DVI port in my Advanced Mini-dock. I'm curious if other people have experienced this problem.
The problems surfaces when I first boot up, or sometimes after my ThinkPad has been running for awhile (particularly when I do something graphics related, such as right-clicking to open display properties). The picture starts to flicker (or disappear and reappear, like the screen does when changing graphics resolutions). I also hear the "ba-bum" sound that you hear when disconnecting a piece of hardware, followed by the "bum-ba" reconnection sound - these two sounds happen repeatedly (sometimes as fast as once per second). If I don't do anything, sometimes I'll get a bluescreen.
Not long ago, I found a fix of sorts: to stop the flickering/reconnecting, I just open Task Manager and stop the process called "igfxpers" (an Intel driver problem). The problem always disappears after I do this, although I have to remember to do it every time I reboot or else the problem comes back. So it's not an ideal fix.
This problem doesn't happen when I connect an external monitor using the analog VGA port, or when I'm just using the notebook LCD. It's limited to just the DVI connection. I've tried two different digital monitors (one LG, the other BenQ) as well as two DVI cables - the problem is still the same. So it seems like a driver problem of some sort - unfortunately, the Intel drivers haven't been updated since last February.
I should also note that I've tried reinstalling my OS two or three times, and the problem always comes back. Has anyone else had this problem, and is a fix on the way?

Error Message:
Input signal out of range. Translation:
You will see this on an otherwise blank screen. Assuming that the data cable is plugged in correctly, the video card is feeding the monitor a signal stream in excess of what the monitor can accommodate. The two main causes for this are that the user has set either the resolution or the vertical frequency rate too high. For example, you might set a new graphics card to display at 1,280 x 1,024, but if the monitor is only capable of 1,024 x 768 resolution, you’ll get a Sync Out of Range error. This is especially common in 14-inch monitors.
Solution:
Because you obviously can’t make settings changes from within regular Windows, you’ll need to reboot into Windows Safe Mode. When you restart the system, there is a point during boot up when the system switches from reporting diagnostics and detected components to loading Windows. This point is usually accompanied by a beep and the screen going black. Just before this point, you want to start repeatedly pressing the F8 key. This should bring up a menu of Windows boot options. The one you want to pick is Safe Mode.
From Safe Mode right-click the Desktop and select Properties. Go to the Settings tab and use the slider to drop your resolution a notch or two. Reboot and let Windows try to go into Normal mode. If this still doesn’t work, go back into Safe Mode and get to the Settings tab of Display Properties. Click the Advanced button, go to the Monitor tab, and check your refresh rate. The lowest advisable rate is usually 60Hz, although this works better for LCDs (liquid-crystal displays) than CRTs (cathode ray tubes). Apply the change and reboot.

2504 Advanced Mini-dock and Thinkpad T61

I have a 2504 Advanced mini-dock in the office and it works fine.
I've bought another 2504 FRU 41W6563 for home. It only seems to part work though. When you put the machine in the dock the power supply is detected from the mini-dock, but nothing else seems to work, especially the USB ports, even if I shutdown Windows, and reboot.
With the switch in the unlocked position, there is no green light, when you switch it to locked, the red light comes on.
I'm confused if this is the right mini-dock - Can anyone help or suggest anything?
My Thinkpad is a T61, 7659-A71

Hi
I don't have a solution, but a similar problem. I wish there was some real documentation for this piece of hardware.
I am using the advanced mini-dock with my new T61 (14.1" with the integrated graphics card) and it's all hit-and-miss.
Undocking the laptop seems to provide no problems, but getting it to dock really is hit and miss. More often than not it doesn't seem to work.
The display setting won't switch, and I can't get to the display manager or if I can it shows only the default setting as the choice. Most of the time the display on my T61 is blank too.
I have it set up so that it's supposed to switch to the external DVI monitor at 1280x1024. When it works it work beautifully, but the fact that it doesn't makes me use the docking station less often
that I would
Are there some do's and don'ts or a FAQ regaring the use of the docking station? The only instructions that came with it was one sheet of drawings. I looked on the lenovo site for more instructions but didn't find any.
What is the purpose of the power switch on the dock? I can't tell when it's on or off (or if it even does something). Ie when the T61 isn't docked, I don't see anything if I push the power button on the dock.
I really like the idea of the docking station, I just wish it would work better for me.
Does the system have to be up and running if it's docked? Do I have to be logged in? Can I have a wireless USB mouse attached to the T61 when I dock it?
Is there a problem with the display manager software that make the automatic mode switching problematic?
EB
PS: New one, the cabled USB mouse isn't working when attached to the docking station, but works when directly attached to the T61. This has worked in the past. The external keyboard is working fine though ... odd

Driver issue? with docked T61, and 31P9490- IBM USB Travel Keyboard w/ UltraNav and sleep mode

Can someone from Lenovo please advise me on which version drivers need to be installed for the external keyboard and mouse, and/or the proper power setting(s) to use with this configuration so the machine will react and wake up from its nap with a Fn+F4 on the external keyboard?
T61 7658-CTO, 3GB RAM, Vista Business Ultimate. These are the external IBM/Lenovo devices used:
250410U     THINKPAD ADVANCED MINI DOCK
31P9490    IBM USB TRAVEL KEYBOARD W/ULTRANAV
31P8700     SCROLLPOINT PRO OPTICAL MOUSE
I have an issue with waking my T61 up from sleep mode while it’s docked and using the external keyboard, mouse, and monitor. When the machine is docked, the blue Fn keys or the Think Vantage button do not function on the external keyboard.
The external keyboard seems to be the same as the internal keyboard installed in the TP- which I thought would react the same as the internal keyboard when I installed the driver that it came with. I had hoped something this simple would be easier than it now seems.
Thanks in advance!
Cheers, Mark
Message Edited by masnider on 12-16-2008 03:33 PM
Message Edited by masnider on 12-16-2008 03:42 PM
Message Edited by masnider on 12-16-2008 03:42 PM

Thanks for the advice Izzy. After installing both sets of keyboard and hotkey drivers it does respond to most (but not all) blue Fn key combinations as marked on the external keyboard. The blue ThinkVantage button still does not respond.
Oddly enough, I am able to use the Fn+F4 key combination to put it into sleep mode and to bring it back out, but when the display comes back I have no control of the UltraNav pad, track pointer, or mouse. I had to open the TP cover slightly and use the pad to get past the login screen to the desktop.
Incidently, just after using the UltraNav pad on the machine as it was slightly open a couple of messages popped up onscreen involving the USB port(s). One indicated it was searching for a new device driver for a USB connected device, and the other indicated I could benefit from connecting the device to a high- speed USB port by unpluging the low-speed hub and connecting directly to an available high-speed USB port.
Interestingly, I don't have any external hub connected. It may have identified the docking station USB ports as low-speed, which I don't believe they are...any ideas for what to do with this new set of issues?
Thanks, Mark

Can the T61 w/ Adv. Mini Dock do dual-screen laptop screen + external monitor?

I am moving from a desktop to a laptop w/ docking station.
I want to be able to drop the T61 into the dock and go dual-screen with the lappy screen (usually holding outlook open) and say a 19" LCD. Is this possible?
Would the Intel X1300 support a 19" LCD res?
I am most likely going with a NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M, but just in case I changed my mind.. I would like to know.

Yes - all the T61s here using the Advanced Mini-Dock (including mine) and they all support dual-screen.
We use 24" Monitors with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 32 Bit and it looks teriffic.
If you dock and undock a lot I'd recommend using the ThinkVantage Presentation Director to set up your screens.
I think the nVidia is worth it.
ThinkPad T61 15 Widescreen with nVidia Quadro graphics 6459CTO
Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows XP Pro

T60 with Adv Mini Dock and USB FP keyboard Windows7 Issue

I have been combing through these forums as well as others and I am unable to find anyone who has this issue.
This only happens under Windows 7. I have installed all the Lenovo drivers included in the System Update as well as the Betas but never can solve this.
The problem occurs when I try to eject the T60 (8743) from the Adv Mini dock that has the USB Fingerprint Keyboard connected. If I remove the keyboard before undocking it is fine and the machine undocks normally.
Other than this issue, Windows7 works quite well on this system.
Thank you

Thanks for the advice Izzy. After installing both sets of keyboard and hotkey drivers it does respond to most (but not all) blue Fn key combinations as marked on the external keyboard. The blue ThinkVantage button still does not respond.
Oddly enough, I am able to use the Fn+F4 key combination to put it into sleep mode and to bring it back out, but when the display comes back I have no control of the UltraNav pad, track pointer, or mouse. I had to open the TP cover slightly and use the pad to get past the login screen to the desktop.
Incidently, just after using the UltraNav pad on the machine as it was slightly open a couple of messages popped up onscreen involving the USB port(s). One indicated it was searching for a new device driver for a USB connected device, and the other indicated I could benefit from connecting the device to a high- speed USB port by unpluging the low-speed hub and connecting directly to an available high-speed USB port.
Interestingly, I don't have any external hub connected. It may have identified the docking station USB ports as low-speed, which I don't believe they are...any ideas for what to do with this new set of issues?
Thanks, Mark

New mini-dock and the W520

Look at the specs for the new 433835 mini-dock:
433835U mini dock
Has anyone tried this dock with the W520? I want to know 2 things before "upgrading":
This shows that the W520 will have access to the USB 3.0 port on the dock. Does it?
It also claims:
"Mini Dock Plus (90W & 170W): 1x VGA, 2x DVI, 2x DP
Many systems allow for two of these video ports to be used simultaneously. Select systems, including those with NVIDIA Optimus technology, allow for up to three video ports on the dock to be used simultaneously."
Does this mean the W520 can drive three monitors from this dock?
Thanks.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

christopherlang wrote:
I have the previous version dock. Lol I can't believe they dropped the eSata port for a single USB 3.0 port. Wth? All those USB 2.0 ports on this thing taking space lol. And the new one drops the eSata port. Cheap cheap lol.
Aren't our w520 supposed to be eSATAp (USB 3.0) aka eSATA USB Hybrid Port (EUHP) aka ... ?
and you use something like this cable: 3FT Power over eSATA USB 2.0 combo M to Esata + MINI USB 5pin + DC 3.5 Cable 1M if you wanted the USB? and you can still hang a drive off of the thing.
Wth with the 'improved' dock? Or do I get to find out this doesn't work anyway in my dock when I try it? 10$ cable too lol. Wow. Oh ok, USB 2.0/eSATA port for the W520. Would still rather have eSata myself, w/USB 3.0 and my disappointment now includes the w520 for having only a USB 2.0 eSATAp port. Cheap. Not very forward thinking to me either.
I suppose that the rationale was that the eSATA port was only SATA-II (3gbs) vs. the USB 3.0 port at 5gbs. The laptop could only support two eSata drives and could not be extended to a hub because the chipset didn't enumerate more drives. The USB 3.0 port can be extended to a hub for additional connections albeit at an aggregated 5gbs rate. The USB 2.0 eSATAp on the notebook is a powered connection. However, the eSATA port on the docking station is NOT powered.
People can always add eSata ports through an ExpressCard option for example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16839150022
In the meanwhile, I'd stop stressing over how technology products continue to evolve.There will always be market-driven tradeoffs which may not appeal to some set of users. For example, I recently ordered another W520 (plus the 433830U Dock) with the full knowledge of the incremental changes on the W530 and the new dock. The deal that I got was too hard to ignore.
YMMV
W520, i7-2820QM, BIOS 1.42, 1920x1080 FHD, 32 GB RAM, 2000M NVIDIA GPU, Samsung 850 Pro 1TB SSD, Crucial M550 mSata 512GB, WD 2TB USB 3.0, eSata Plextor PX-LB950UE BluRay
W520, i7-2760QM, BIOS 1.42 1920x1080 FHD, 32 GB RAM, 1000M NVIDIA GPU, Crucial M500 480GB mSata SSD, Hitachi 500GB HDD, WD 2TB USB 3.0

T61 with a mini dock to large LCD display

I am in the process of building out a showroom for customer interface. I do a lot of intense graphic renderings that I want to display in a larger format on the wall. I am going to go with LCD technology but I need help figuring out how to push the signal from my lenovo mini-dock to the LCD. I am talking issues like DVI-D to HDMI and what kind of obstacles I need to look out for.
Any advise

I have never tried to use HDMI on my setup but I can say with certainty that the Quadro card on the laptop can easily output 1920x1600 through the pass-thru DVI on the advanced mini-dock. If u want to go further with a 30" display, I am not sure. However, u can get the advanced full dock, which supports an add-on for low profile PCI express cards, which should come in dual link flavor for 30"+ LCD's (unless your LCD does not require dual link, at which point, I'm not sure of the max output via DVI). However, the advanced full dock only takes half height/low profile cards, which are exceedingly difficult to find if u are looking for a high end and high quality card.
T61_Wide | Model No. 7662 - CTO
Core 2 Duo T7250 | 2GB OCZ DDR2-800
82566MM Gigabit | 4965AGN Centrino Pro

T440 - dual monitors without dock, using VGA and mini DP

Try to find out if a T440 can use its VGA and mini DP ports at the same time for dual monitor support (LCD can be closed.) Can't seem to find this info anywhere, everything I come up against talks about a dock.
Thanks.

There are "features" having to do with the amount of power supplied to run the adapters on the 5770 and 5870.
I suggest you use one DVI-to-VGA adapter for your best display. These VGA signals are present on the DVI-I output from the computer -- in the bar at one end and the four pins around it. The adapter used for this is just wires.
The longer story has to do with using much more expensive ACTIVE, Powered adapters, some even use a USB pigtail to pick up power from a USB to run signal drivers inside the adapters. These are Required to run three displays, but you can Usually get away with it for two.

Advanced Mini-Dock 250410U power supply and compatibility questions.

I just purchased a new T400 2764-CTO which has the discrete video. I replaced a three year old T43 with a screen that failed. Lenovoi told me my two port replicators for the T43 would work on the T400. That proved to be an error. So now I am in the market for a T400 port replicator. I am looking at the Lenovo Thinkpad Advanced Mini-Dock 250410U. I have purchased two power supplies and so do not need another power supply. I don't trust Lenovo for an accurate answer.
My questions: Can I purchase an Advanced Mini Dock without the power supply? And secondly, will this Mini-dock work with the T400 2764-CTO. (I am running Vista Business as my sole OS.)
Thanks for any help.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

yes, 250410U is the correct part number for the advanced mini dock compatible with the T400.
it is sold with an a/c adapter and unfortunately cannot be purchased separately. you could, however, resell the adapter if you don't want it. forum.thinkpads.com has a free marketplace if you're interested.
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T61 and the Intel Graphics Card error - external monitor not detected

T61 with Vista 32 bit, Mobile Intel® GM965 Express Chipset and an Advanced Mini Dock.
I am trying to use the DVI port and an external monitor. The driver does not detect the external monitor.
Uninstalling the Intel driver the Generic profile will work on the external monitor, but is overly fuzzy, how do I get the T61 to recognize my external monitor with the right drivers?
I am currently running the Intel Driver Ver. - 7.14.10.1329, which provides the message under Multiple Display:
Two displays must be connected to the computer before you can use this feature. Please connect another display.
Of course my 22" monitor is connected. That is the frustrating part. I have also uninstalled Presentation Director, just in case, but then re-installed after it seemed that wasn't the problem.
There is a newer driver from Intel but it is not Lenovo approved yet I guess. Though I highly doubt this is the problem. What can I do?
~~
I did post a thread on the thinkpads.com too, but so far haven't had any luck.

Well the new dock came but didn't fix the problem. Now my nice new T61 is packed up in a depot box, waiting for DHL to come pick it up.
dkaufman1 -- I guess we do have different problems. If I set my T61 to display to the DVI port in the bios I get a blank screens on both the DVI connectd monitor and the laptop screen until the OS boots when I have the laptop in the dock. The only way I can see the bios screen to set it back to the ThinkPad LCD setting is to boot it disconnected from the dock.
I really hope that this problem is resolved, as I really like the T61 otherwise. I was even using it with the VGA cable connected to my 22" monitor, but it was pretty hard to take. I'm now back to my old desktop hooked up to the same monitor via DVI and it is quite the relief, even if it isn't as zippy as the T61.

T61 and Mini Dock

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